Former Minnesota Gov. Al Quie Dead At 99: Reports

WAYZATA, MN — Former Minnesota Gov. Al Quie, who also spent more than 20 years representing the state as a Republican congressman, died late Friday, according to multiple reports citing his son. He was 99.

Quie died of natural causes at his home in Wayzata, his son, Joel, told KARE.

Quie's health had declined in recent months, reports said, but he still spent time meeting and greeting people and reading to his grandchildren.

"His stature and his energy and his enthusiasm for life was there right to the end," Joel Quie said, according to The Associated Press.

Quie served as a U.S. House of Representatives member, representing Minnesota's 1st District from 1958 to 1979, and was governor from 1979 to 1983. Considered a moderate Republican, Quie's single term as governor unfolded amid a budget shortfall and he opted not to seek re-election, reports said.

During his time in Congress, Quie championed the passage of the law now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires equal educational access for disabled children, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

Quie was born Sept. 18, 1923, on his family's dairy farm near Dennison, located in southeastern Minnesota, The Associated Press reported. After serving as a World War II Navy pilot, he returned to work as a farmer before entering politics.

Quie is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, the AP reported. His wife, Gretchen Quie, died in 2015.

Gov. Tim Walz paid tribute to Quie on Saturday in a statement shared on social media.

"A veteran, a man of faith, and a life-long public servant, Governor Quie had a deep commitment to the betterment of our state," Walz wrote. "His advocacy for education, eliminating discrimination, and rural development demonstrated his dedication to creating a better life for all Minnesotans."